«On behalf of the Government and the Prime Minister, as well as the Greek people, I would like to congratulate our Armed Forces, the Chiefs of Staffs, the Army Officers, the Non-Commissioned Officers, the Conscripts, themen of the National Guard, because day and night, 24/7, 365 days a year, defend the national sovereignty of the country and our territorial integrity, with high morale and allegiance to the country.

Today, the Greek people, in the parade of our national holiday, embraced the Armed Forces one more time. As head of the political leadership, I am proud for all the women and men of the Armed Forces, who, despite the abrupt reduction of their income due to the financial crisis, they continue to defend our country with high morale and professionalism.

Happy anniversary to everyone. We honor the heroes who fell on the battlefield during the war for our national ideals. We will not betray them».

Upon the suggestion of the Minister of National Defense, Panos Kamenos, the Chief of the National Defense General Staff, Admiral Evangelos Apostolakis, granted a five days honorary leave to those who participated in the parade.